The G20 is the international forum bringing together the 20 largest and fastest-growing economies. Its members account for more than 80% of the world's GDP, 75% of global trade and 60% of the population of the planet.
The European Union is a full member of the G20, alongside three of its Member States: France, Germany, and Italy. Spain and the Netherlands are invited as guests to the G20 meetings. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, and Charles Michel, President of the European Council, represent the European Union at the G20.
The European Union is one of the largest economies in the world and it is the world’s largest single market area, representing roughly 15% of world gross domestic product (2021). The European Union accounts for around 6% of the world’s population, surpassed only by China and India when it comes to the number of people it represents at the G20 Summit table.
Rio de Janeiro Summit, 18-19 November 2024
This year’s G20 Summit, hosted by the Brazilian G20 presidency, brought together Heads of State or Government of G20 members and invited countries and representatives of some of the main international and regional organisations. Under the theme “Building a fair world and a sustainable planet” the participants discussed, among other topics:
- the international economic and political situation
- social inclusion and the fight against hunger and poverty
- sustainable development, climate change and energy transitions
- the reform of global governance institutions
Enhancing global food security
This G20 Summit marked the launch of the Global Alliance to Combat Hunger and Poverty. This is a global initiative open to all interested countries aiming to gather funds and knowledge towards implementation of public policies and social technologies proven effective in reducing global hunger and poverty. The EU has joined the Alliance as founding member.
The European Union is at the forefront of global efforts to promote food security. Since 2015, the EU has spent a minimum of €350 million per year for humanitarian food assistance. Between 2020 and 2024, the EU has invested €18 billion for food security worldwide. In the period 2021-2027, the EU will support food systems in about 70 partner countries.
Scaling up renewable energy in Africa
On the eve of the Summit European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa launched the ‘ Scaling up Renewables in Africa’ campaign.
The campaign aims to drive new policy and finance commitments to boost renewable power generation and access in Africa. It will also contribute to reaching the target set at COP28 of tripling global renewable energy capacity by the end of this decade.
The campaign will conclude around the G20 Summit hosted by South Africa in Cape Town in November 2025.